THERMAL-EXPANSION OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC MATRIX COMPOSITES - A REVIEW OF THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES

This paper reviews theoretical and experimental studies conducted in organic, ceramic, and metal matrix composites containing cylindrical, lamellar, and spheroidal inclusions as reinforcements. Mathematical formulations proposed to predict thermal expansion coefficients of fiber, disc, and sphere reinforced organic and inorganic matrix composites have been reviewed. Experimental studies undertaken to confirm theoretical predictions of thermal expansion coefficients of a variety of reinforcement geometry composites have also been discussed.